An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.
Read more...
Edinburgh is getting its very own trade-focused bar show, with the event due to land in the Scottish capital for the first time in April.
Read more...
The drinks trade burst back into life this week as over 150 illustrious guests gathered at Vintners’ Hall for a wine trade lunch on behalf of The Drinks Trust.
Read more...
When it comes to the spirits and hospitality industries, I harp on about education a lot. But with good reason. That dinner you had out the other week with the outstanding service – it’s thanks to education. Receiving a top new tipple recommendation from your local bartender – education. Formal training, cocktail masterclasses, category insight – it’s all helping to create better teams, better serves and ultimately an altogether better experience for the customer. So as someone who works for or is interested in the industry, here’s why you should care about it.
Read more...
I realise that is a pretty dramatic title. But none of us should underestimate the game changing potential of the changes the UK government intends to introduce around wine beginning in early 2024.
Read more...
Many years ago I was asked to act as a strategic consultant to a Chilean wine business. They wanted help with reformulating their strategy, first to achieve break even, then to reach sustainable profitability. The business was 100% targeted at export markets, with the UK a key priority.
Read more...
How should we respond when values we hold dear conflict with opportunities for business advantage or personal gain? How best to navigate conflicting aspirations?
Read more...
Confirmation that the UK has signed up to the Asia-Pacific trade pact will open new markets down the line for some in the drinks trade, but will offer little sustenance in the short term.
Read more...
Our trade is not prone to hysteria, but there has been a pronounced bout of bedwetting recently. The cause? Studies showing how the younger generation is turning away from wine, with commentators quick to respond via apocryphal prophecies of doom if the industry doesn’t better engage with millennials.
Read more...
Leading retailer Majestic is inviting 12 new candidates to join its industry-leading Diversity in Wine scholarship programme.
Read more...
Bibendum has just closed the cap on its first tasting concept of 2023, with a roster of likeminded events lined up for the year ahead as the company diversifies its annual tasting format.
Read more...
Jascots Wine Merchants has recorded strong results for 2022, laying growth at the door of new business and an ongoing focus on range premiumisation.
Read more...
The Gérard Basset Foundation, in collaboration with Wine Owners, Lay & Wheeler and IG Wines, has unveiled a new Golden Vines Scholarship for members of the BAME/BIPOC community who wish to break into the wine trade.
Read more...
The UK trade is being invited to uncork some of France’s best kept secrets alongside enduring favourites at VIN, next month’s trade tasting event, which will bring together 50 producers and importers.
Read more...
Stuart Bond, director at UK wine distributor, Beyond Wines, dives into the top trends for 2023
Read more...
French wine & spirits trading platform VinoVirtual is bringing its innovative marketplace specifically to UK buyers in 2023 for the first time, with a number of inaugural sessions taking place across January and February.
Read more...
It’s that time of year for Harpers to wish all in the drinks trade a very merry Christmas as we speed towards the final days of another eventful year.
Read more...
Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.
Read more...
Nick Gillett, MD of Mangrove UK, on the uphill battle smaller brands face with ever more powerful players dominating the industry.
Read more...
Pernod Ricard is banking on the return of a pre-pandemic Christmas atmosphere this year, with its festive campaigns revealing a heavy focus on leveraging treating behaviours amid a tense economy, bouyed by the world cup.
Read more...
